Satan Always Lies

The painting Checkmate used to hang in the Louvre in Paris.

A man is playing chess with the devil. It looks like the devil has won.

We don’t know how much the painter Friedrich Moritz August Retszch understood about chess. Paintings don’t usually come with written explanations.

Even so, a legend has attached itself to this one.

A chess grand master visited the Louvre and studied the painting.

Although the man in the painting appeared to be losing, although an observant, forlorn angel stood by mourning another lost soul, and although Satan was congratulating himself for a win, the chess board told another story.

The man still had a move to make, and that move could lead him to victory.

When the Israelites had their backs against the Red Sea, God had another move.

When Jesus was dead, and evil appeared to have won, God had another move.

God will always have another move.

He may appear to have lost, but God has already won.

My pastor recently told this story as part of an exceptional message. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Haven Today

Nancy E. Head’s Restoring the Shattered is out in paperback! Get your copy here!

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16 Replies to “Satan Always Lies”

  1. The Lord always has a plan. So true! I LOVE this: “When the Israelites had their backs against the Red Sea, God had another move.
    When Jesus was dead, and evil appeared to have won, God had another move.
    God will always have another move.
    He may appear to have lost, but God has already won. THANK YOU for sharing this today, Nancy!

  2. I appreciate this, especially as someone who enjoys chess! 🙂 You are so right: the “game” isn’t over. As you note, God will always have another move!

  3. I really like how you described the situation. God always does have another move that can and will change everything. Thanks for the encouragement Nancy.

  4. God having another move is an uplifting reality to consider. When we think nothing will ever improve or we will never get past this or that, the Lord steps in with another move. Often, our participation is to simply stay out of His way as He works on our behalf. Sometimes we are more involved in the matter itself. The comfort is that the Lord is always superintending everything that touches our lives.

  5. “God always has another move.” By this, we know Who is in control and that gives us hope. I enjoyed learning more about this painting and appreciate your message. Thank you, Nancy.

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